Dealers don’t need more protection, says industry peak body

Mar 3, 2026 | 7 min read | 1,148 words | Share article

Mike Sinclair

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Mike Sinclair has been testing and writing about cars, motorcycles and more for over 30 years. He was a key executive team member when ACP Media and Carsales formed Australia's leading automotive, industrial, marine and motorcycle online network in the 2000s, and the driving force behind the launch of motoring.com.au. For two decades, Mike led the large multimedia and editorial team at Carsales, and all PR and corporate communications. Mike now consults with a number of key brands on a range of automotive and powersports opportunities.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries has responded to the Government’s unfair contract terms consultation with a blunt message: the current regime works, dealers are sophisticated businesses, and more regulation risks hurting consumers. Not everyone agrees.

When the Albanese Government announced a consultation on extending the ban on unfair contract terms to franchised new car dealers, the AADA’s response was swift and welcoming.

As we reported earlier this week, AADA CEO James Voortman outlined a two-stage reform agenda – unfair contract terms now, unfair trading practices next – and flagged customer data ownership as a live issue in agency model transitions.

The manufacturers’ view, predictably, is rather different.

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Mike Sinclair

Connect with Mike

Mike Sinclair has been testing and writing about cars, motorcycles and more for over 30 years. He was a key executive team member when ACP Media and Carsales formed Australia's leading automotive, industrial, marine and motorcycle online network in the 2000s, and the driving force behind the launch of motoring.com.au. For two decades, Mike led the large multimedia and editorial team at Carsales, and all PR and corporate communications. Mike now consults with a number of key brands on a range of automotive and powersports opportunities.

Recent articles by Mike

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